Pride of Britain 2008 is being sponsored by The Co-operative Group, which is the UK's largest convenience store retailer.
The Co-operative is also the UK's largest independent travel retailer and its family of businesses also includes pharmacy, funeral and financial services.
Pride of Britain 2008 will be promoted across its 4,000 stores and branches, where Co-operative customers will be given the opportunity to nominate winners. The Group has approximately 85,000 employees who will also be getting right behind the event.
Pride of Britain fits naturally with The Co-operative's long-established community values. As a business it has always supported the communities in which it trades and the extraordinary efforts of the people who live in those communities.
This year's ceremony will include a very special award, The Co-operative Local Champion Award to recognise people who have made a positive difference to their community.
The Co-operative Group's Chief Executive Peter Marks will be joining the national judging panel of the awards.
By Peter Marks, Chief Executive, The Co-operative Group
The Co-operative is delighted to partner the Daily Mirror and become the sole sponsor of The Pride of Britain Awards.
As the largest mutual retailer in the UK with thousands of trading outlets nationwide, weíre committed to supporting the communities in which we trade and recognising the extraordinary efforts of people within them.
Everyone who is nominated for The Pride of Britain Awards is doing their bit to make their community and our country a better place in which to live. They, and the ultimate awards winners in particular, deserve our support and recognition. Rather than sitting back, they are an inspiration to us all through their dedication, devotion and commitment.
